The Kogi State Government has formally handed over the site for the construction of a new Radio Kogi station at Okeneba in Okene Local Government Area, in a move aimed at strengthening the state’s broadcasting infrastructure and expanding access to information.
The project, being executed by Widerview Ltd, is part of the government’s wider plan to reposition the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation and improve the capacity of its stations to reach residents across the state.
The handover was conducted by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Taiye Abanika; Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo; and the Director-General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana Awa Yusuf.
The development follows the State Executive Council’s approval of measures to upgrade the infrastructure and operational capacity of the Broadcasting Corporation, including interventions involving its Okene and Ochaja stations.
Why Kogi Chose Okeneba for the New Radio Station
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Abanika said the project reflected Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to infrastructure development across different sectors of the state.
He described information dissemination as an important component of development and said broadcasters required suitable facilities from which they could effectively serve residents.
According to the commissioner, the new Radio House would provide a more appropriate working environment for Radio Kogi while helping the station strengthen its reach across communities within Kogi and beyond.
Abanika said the state government had approved the construction of the facility and assigned his ministry, working with the Ministry of Information and Communications, to formally hand over the site to the contractor.
He described the handover as another milestone in the administration’s infrastructure programme, saying the project would strengthen the platform available to Radio Kogi to disseminate information to the public.
Fanwo: New Station Marks Turning Point for Radio Kogi
Fanwo described the project as a significant development in the history of Radio Kogi’s operations in Okene.
He explained that the existing station had operated for decades from a location that presented challenges to effective transmission. The new site, he said, was intended to address those limitations and provide a more suitable location for broadcasting operations.
Fanwo formally handed over the site to Widerview Ltd on behalf of the state government and thanked Governor Ododo for approving the project.
He said improved infrastructure would strengthen Radio Kogi’s ability to reach more residents and provide timely information to communities.
The commissioner’s remarks come as the state government continues to invest in public communication infrastructure. The development also follows other interventions in Kogi’s information and digital ecosystem, including the state’s efforts to strengthen its digital media and public information strategy.
Consultant Explains Okeneba Site Selection
The state consultant, Engr. Kabir, said the Okeneba site was selected because of its elevated terrain, which he described as suitable for a broadcasting facility.
He said the elevation would support the station’s ability to transmit its signal to communities across the state and the central region.
However, the consultant noted that the rocky nature of the terrain would create additional technical demands during construction.
He assured the state government that the consulting team would work closely with Widerview Ltd to ensure that construction complies with the approved design, specifications and bill of quantities.
He also stressed the need to ensure value for money throughout the execution of the project.
Radio Kogi Management Welcomes New Facility
The Director-General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana Awa Yusuf, described the development as a landmark moment for the corporation.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for approving the construction of the Okene station as well as the renovation and branding of the corporation’s headquarters in Lokoja.
Yusuf also commended Fanwo for his persistence in pursuing the project and urged residents, particularly youths in Okeneba and Okene Central, to protect the facility during and after construction.
According to her, the new structure would give the corporation greater capacity to expand its information dissemination activities and serve residents more effectively.
The project is therefore expected to complement the corporation’s existing broadcasting infrastructure rather than merely provide an additional administrative facility.
Contractor Gives 16-Week Completion Timeline
Representing Widerview Ltd, the project architect, Jonathan Bulus, assured the state government that the company would deliver the project to the required standard.
Bulus said the contractor would maintain professional standards and adhere to the agreed specifications during construction.
He disclosed that the project had a completion period of 16 weeks, while acknowledging that the rocky terrain could present construction challenges.
Despite the anticipated difficulties, he pledged that the company would work to meet the agreed timeline.
Bulus also promised to maintain cooperation with the host community, particularly youths in the area, throughout the construction period.
Okeneba Community Promises Support
The community leader and representative of the youths, Malam Yahaya Bello, welcomed the project and expressed appreciation to the state government for approving the new station.
He described the development as a source of excitement for the Okeneba community and pledged the cooperation of residents and youths with the contractor.
Bello also assured the government that the community would protect the facility and support its successful completion.
He appealed to the contractor to maintain regular communication with the community whenever assistance was required during construction.
What the Radio Kogi Project Means for Okene
The new station is expected to give Radio Kogi a more suitable physical and technical base in Okene while potentially improving the reach of its broadcasts to communities in the surrounding areas.
For the state government, the project also provides an opportunity to modernise a broadcasting network that remains an important channel for public information, particularly for residents who rely on radio for government announcements, community information and other public-interest programming.
The 16-week construction timeline means attention will now shift to the pace and quality of execution, especially given the technical challenges associated with the rocky Okeneba terrain.
The government’s broader infrastructure programme has also included investments in other sectors. Recent State Executive Council approvals have covered projects spanning infrastructure, education, healthcare and agriculture, while new accommodation facilities are also being developed around the CUSTECH Teaching Hospital in Okene.
As construction begins, the project will be closely watched by residents and stakeholders for its adherence to the approved design, quality standards and promised completion period.
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